Effects of three types of memory training in normal elderly

The effectiveness of three memory improvement programs, relative to a wait-list condition, was evaluated in residents of a retirement community. The interventions consisted of: (a) a group-based memory course; (b) one of two self-paced, commercially available audiotape memory improvement programs; and (c) individualized, microcomputer-based memory training. Participants in each condition received approximately 90 minutes of instruction per week for 9 weeks. Memory performance and self-reported memory function and mood were assessed before and after each intervention. Significant performance gains were found in all three groups on the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test, but these gains were not accompanied by gains in word-list learning or perceived improvement in memory. Whereas participants in all three conditions also reported fewer depressive symptoms after intervention, these changes did not account for the improved memory performance. Participants who showed performance gains with intervention were taking fewer medications and were less likely to have a history of heart disease than those who did not improve. There was little evidence that one intervention was superior to any other, suggesting that mnemonically stimulating activity, rather than any specific process, is responsible for improvement.